American industrialist Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794 - 1877) standing astride two railroads competing with James Fisk (1835 - 1872) for control of the Erie Railroad. He was infamously involved in the Erie Railroad War of 1868, when he battled Wall Street traders Jim Fisk and Jay Gould for financial control of the Erie Railroad.
What did the Vanderbilt family do in the Gilded Age?
The Vanderbilt family is an American family who gained prominence during the Gilded Age. Their success began with the shipping and railroad empires of Cornelius Vanderbilt, and the family expanded into various other areas of industry and philanthropy.
Who was Vanderbilt and what did he do?
As one of the richest Americans in history and wealthiest figures overall, Vanderbilt was the patriarch of the wealthy and influential Vanderbilt family. He provided the initial gift to found Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
